Drew Introduces Minor in Film & Media Studies

The school’s newest course of study has elicited support from both students and faculty.

MADISON, NJ—Drew University’s newest minor in film and media studies will teach students how to interpret the full array of images seen in everyday life, including those that appear on the silver screen. In a show of overwhelming support for the new program, a number of undergraduates have already expressed their intent to declare the minor.

One of them is theatre arts major Samantha Steele ’15, who says she’s excited to learn the technical aspects of film and media to prepare for a career in casting.

“I’m excited to learn about moving and positioning a camera to create a specific mood or feel,” she says, “because understanding the artistry behind the scenes can only help in casting actors who best bring it to life.”

According to Professor of English Wendy Kolmar, the new minor will emphasize a form of literacy that will enable students to interpret the meanings of videos and graphics.

“We see this as an extension of the critical reading skills that all Drew students learn,” she says. “Now they’ll also be able to read the meanings of images that saturate our culture.”

Kolmar says the minor will consist of two foundational courses—Introduction to Film Analysis and Introduction to Media Studies—along with one in digital production that’s offered by the Art Department. Since the minor is interdisciplinary, she adds, students can earn the remaining credits from almost any department on campus.

“Drew’s program allows students to explore film and media in the context of their other areas of academic interest,” Kolmar explains.—Michael Bressman ‘06